Stonewall: There can be No Bystanders in fight to tackle bullying and abuse

Stonewall last night raised a record-breaking £395,000 at its annual Equality Dinner, sponsored by Aviva. Money raised from the night will support Stonewall’s education work and tackling homophobia wherever it exists.

The night marked Stonewall’s 25th anniversary, with speeches from presenter, broadcaster and writer Sue Perkins and journalist and Stonewall founder, Matthew Parris. Both emphasised that while there was much to celebrate, there was still much to do.

The Dinner also saw the launch of Stonewall’s No Bystanders campaign, with a 60 second film. The hard-hitting and powerful film demonstrates that, unchecked, the abusive language children learn in the playground stays with them into adulthood. It encourages people – including gay people – to check their own language, and pledge not to be a bystander whenever they hear it from others.

In support of the campaign Stonewall co-founder Sir Ian McKellen, who also lends his voice to the film, said: ‘Abuse ruins people’s lives. We all have a responsibility to take a stand and put a stop to it. By making sure that bullying is reported and prejudice is challenged, we can help ensure that every person in Britain lives free from fear of persecution and violence.’

Ruth Hunt, Stonewall’s Acting Chief Executive said: ‘This powerful film starkly shows how easily prejudice and bullying can escalate from playground teasing to grown-up violence. No one can afford to be a bystander to this bullying and that is why we are calling on people to make the pledge: hear it, stop it. ’

One in six lesbian, gay and bisexual people have experienced a homophobic hate crime or incident over the last three years.

Insults, intimidation and harassment are the most common homophobic hate crimes and incidents, affecting more than one in four (27 per cent) lesbian, gay and bisexual people in the last three years. (Homophobic Hate Crime – The Gay British Crime Survey 2013, Stonewall)